The arraignment of Jamiu Oyetunji and Amudat Babatunde, two aides of Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, could not hold on Monday in Abuja following the absence of an interpreter.
The Federal Government through the Department of State Service had filed a 5-count terrorism charge against the two aides before the federal high court in Abuja.
Though the two defendants who are on bail were in court when the matter was called on Monday, Pelumi Olajengbensi, counsel to the defendants informed the court that her clients do not understand English, and that they needed an Yoruba interpreter.
Court made efforts to get an Yoruba interpreter but it was futile, a situation that forced the trial Judge, Justice Obiorah Egwuatu to adjourn to January 24, 2022, for arraignment.
The charge dated August 31, was filed at the. Federal High Court, Abuja, by S.M Bello, counsel for the claimant.
By the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/305/2021, the Federal Government claims that the defendants were involved in terrorism acts and for being in possession of prohibited firearms.
Count one of the charge reads, “That you Jamiu Oyetunji and Amudat Babatunde, with others still at large, on or about the 1st day of July, 2021, at the residence of one Sunday Adeniyi Adeyemo (aka Sunday Igboho), located at Soka area of Ibadan, Oyo state within the jurisdiction of this Court did conspire to commit acts of terrorism, to wit: possession of prohibited fire arms, contrary to Section 17 of Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013 and punishable under the same Section of the Act.
Count two: “That you Jamiu Oyetunji and Amudat Babatunde, wth others still at large, on or about the 1st day of July, 2021, at the residence of Sunday Adeniyi Adeyemo (aka Sunday Igboho) located at Soka area of Ibadan, Oyo state, within the jurisdiction of this Court did have in your possession, without lawful authority, the under listed prohibited fire arms: Five (5) AK 47 rifles with serial numbers 04956, 213740, 8673, 945999 and 6139 respectively; Two (2) AK 47 rifles which serial numbers could not be identified; Two (2) pump action rifles with serial numbers 8836 and 9398 respectively; One (1) pump action which serial number could not be identified; and One (1) stun gun.
The FG stated that offence was contrary to Section 1(3)(c)(v) of the Terrorism Prevention Act CAP 10, 2011 and punishable under Section 1(2) of the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) act 2013.
Count three: “That you Jamiu Oyetunji and Amudat Babatunde, with others still at large, on or about the 1st day of July, 2021, at the residence of Sunday Adeniyi Adeyemo (aka Sunday Igboho) located at Soka area of Ibadan, Oyo state within the jurisdiction of this Court did have in your possession, without lawful authority one thousand, two hundred and ninety five (1,295) live rounds of 7.62mm ammunitions and two hundred and twenty one (221) live rounds of 5.56mm ammunitions contrary to Section 1(3)(c)(v) of the Terrorism Prevention Act CAP 10, 2011 and punishable under Sechon 1(2) of the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) act 2013.
Count four; “That you Jamiu Oyetunji and Amudat Babatunde, with others still at large, on or about the 1st day of July, 2021, at the residence of Sunday Adeniyi Adeyemo (aka Sunday Igboho) located at Soka area of Ibadan, Oyo state within the jurisdiction of this Court did involve yourselves in activities in preparation to commit acts Of terrorism contrary to Section 21 of the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2013 and punishable under the same Section of the Act. Count five stated that Jamiu Oyetunji and Amudat Babatunde did use their face book account as a platform to promote terrorist activities contrary to Section 18(1 & 2) of the Cybercrimes Prohibition Prevention) Act, 2015.